The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against five individuals, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, for allegedly obtaining a second passport through forgery, bypassing the required no objection certificate (NOC) from the police department. The case was filed by ACC Deputy Director Hafizul Islam at the commission's integrated district office in Dhaka, ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam confirmed to UNB. Benazir's family accounts show 'abnormal, suspicious' transactions right after ACC investigation made public The other accused in the case are former Director of the Dhaka Division Passport Office, Mohammad Fazlul Haque, former Director Munshi Muyeed Ikram, current Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, and Technical Manager of the e-Passport and Automated Border Control Project, Sahena Haque. Benazir Ahmed, who previously held senior positions such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at Police Headquarters, Additional IGP, Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), is accused of applying for machine readable passports (MRP) and e-passports without obtaining the necessary departmental clearance. Despite being in police service, he allegedly declared his profession as "private service" on the applications. Benazir's Rupganj property worth Tk 10cr seized According to the ACC, the accused officials, fully aware of Benazir Ahmed’s true identity and official status, knowingly facilitated the process by approving both an ordinary passport and an official e-passport without proper verification. This misconduct is being prosecuted under several sections of the Penal Code. Additionally, they are charged under section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973. This case follows a recent ACC asset declaration notice served to Benazir Ahmed and his family.  

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 02, 2024) said that authorities will proceed with corruption charges against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. Should he be found guilty, he will be compelled to return to Bangladesh, he said. Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi this afternoon, Quader emphasized the government’s firm stance against corruption, saying, “No leniency will be shown.” Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Awami League, detailed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is actively investigating Benazir’s case. “The investigation, legal proceedings, and potential arrests are all part of a legal process,” he said. The government will not bypass the ACC to take any premature actions. If there are any failures within the anti-corruption agencies, they too will face scrutiny, said the AL leader. Fakhrul questions how Benazir “sneaked off to Singapore” Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to combating corruption, Quader remarked, “Since 1975, no other government has shown the courage to act against corrupt individuals. Sheikh Hasina’s government has demonstrated this bravery. While individuals may commit corruption, it is the government’s stance against such actions that matters.” Quader also criticized Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its inaction against corruption during its tenure. “BNP didn’t take any measures against corruption while in power,” he said. Addressing allegations from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that Benazir fled abroad with government assistance, Quader retorted, “Who from the government escorted him to the plane? Which authority facilitated his departure? Do not throw around baseless accusations.” Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul Quader also accused BNP of initiating a culture of financial misconduct. “The culture of money laundering and economic misappropriation began during the BNP’s era. When in power, BNP leaders indulged in rampant illegal earnings. This is an established fact both domestically and internationally. After coming to power in 2001, corruption became institutionalized under the BNP, leading to Bangladesh being named the most corrupt country five times consecutively. Convicted and fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman is currently leading a lavish lifestyle abroad with the illicit money.” Quader read from a written statement at the beginning of the press conference, asserting the integrity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No one can claim that our Prime Minister has engaged in or tolerated corruption. Sheikh Hasina is recognized globally as a thoroughly honest politician, whose popularity stems from her hard work and honest living.” He further criticized the BNP, saying, “BNP’s main leader Tarique Rahman is a convicted fugitive and a known criminal. A party led by such an individual cannot work for people’s welfare or gain their trust.” In response to a journalist’s question, Quader remarked, “BNP is ruled by the king of thieves.” Read more: Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed will go on retirement on September 30. A gazette notification in this regard was issued by the Home Ministry's Public Security Division on Thursday. Benazir will reach his retirement age at 59 on September 30, the gazette added. He will be on post-retirement leave (PRL) from October 1 this year to September 30 next year. He will be entitled to retirement and post-retirement leave benefits as per government rules, it added. Benazir, who also served as director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), was appointed Bangladesh's police chief on April 8 in 2020.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Wednesday called upon the police members to perform their duties with new impetus after the Eid celebrations. The IGP made the call while exchanging Eid greetings with police officers, members and civil staff working at the police headquarters on Wednesday. Read: Police to help cattle traders transport their cash safely: IGP

Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has advised the cattle traders to take the help of police if needed to return home safely with the money they make from selling their animals.  He said this while talking to reporters at Kamalapur field, after inspecting security arrangements of cattle markets in different parts of the capital on Saturday. The IGP said, "I have talked to all the traders, buyers and tenants about the discipline of the cattle market, paying tax (hasil), and overall management.” Also read: IGP calls for vigilance against extortion of cattle traders ahead of Eid Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and other senior police officials were present on the occasion. DMP Additional Commissioner of Police (Admin) Mir Rezaul Alam, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Operations) Krishnapad Roy, Additional Commissioner of Police (DB) AKM Hafeez Akter, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mohammad Munibur Rahman and other senior officials of DMP were present.  

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed urged police  to work with more dedication for the welfare of the  people.The IGP was speaking at a function at RMP Police Lines on the occasion of the 30th founding anniversary of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) on Friday afternoon.The IGP said people have high expectations from the police.As the country  moves forward, the people's expectations from the police will increase, the IGP said, adding that the police officials must be ready to provide the expected services.“We have to serve the people beyond their expectations," he told the police officials.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Thursday asked the newly appointed police members to work diligently to provide maximum services to the people. The IGP was addressing the concluding parade of the 164th Trainee Recruit Constable (TRC) batch at the parade ground of Bangladesh Police Academy in Sarada of Rajshahi. "People will come to you for any problem. Always be ready to serve them,” he said. He asked them to be prepared mentally to perform duty in any situation. “You have to emphasize national interests, state interests and social interests above personal interests.” Also read: Legal action against depot fire culprits after probe, says IGP The police chief said the main duty of the force is to maintain internal peace and order in the country, control crime, suppress terrorism and militancy, prevent drug abuse and spread. “The society is changing. That is why crime is also variable,” he said, adding that police have acquired the ability to use modern technology to deal with new crimes and tactics. "We will not tolerate any injustice done by any policeman," the IGP said. The police force will not take responsibility if any police member commits anything wrong, Benazir said. “We do not want to be a 'news headline' by wrongdoing. I want to be a 'news headline' with good work. We want to be close to the people,” he said. The IGP also urged the police members to protect the young generation from drugs, juvenile crimes as well as from getting involved in militancy. Also read: IGP asks new DIGS to do their best for people’s welfare As per the revised recruitment rules, 453 trainees have successfully completed the six-month basic training of the recruited TRCs.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Monday said that Bangladesh Police will be able to achieve three-dimensional capability after launching of its the newly formed aviation wing.  The Aviation Wing also will play a vital role in quick communication, conducting important operations, search operations and rescue operations in remote areas, he said. The IGP was exchanging views with a delegation of Army Aviation School led by Major General IKM Mostahsinul  Baki, Group Commander of Army Aviation Group, at the Hall of Pride in Police Headquarters on Monday. Also read: 106 policemen died of Covid-19 serving the country: IGP  

As many as 106 policemen have died of Covid-19 in the last two years of the pandemic, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Sunday. “Besides, more than 7,000 policemen have been infected with Covid-19. They have recovered and re-engaged in the service of the country and the welfare of the people,” said the IGP after inaugurating the Police Memorial at Police Staff College in Mirpur of the capital. The IGP said the police force of this country fired the first bullet in favor of the war of liberation and independence in response to Bangabandhu's call in 1971. “Since then, the members of Bangladesh Police Force formed through the liberation war have been dedicating themselves every year to serve the people, for security, for the discipline and stability of this country,” he added. Also read: Police are better trained now to maintain law and order: IGP The IGP also said the Defense Forces fight to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country in a state of war. “And in peacetime, the police are always engaged in war. This war is against those who are engaged in the destruction of society and the state.” "Where there is war, there is danger of death," he said. “We lose our colleagues every year. They were martyred to maintain peace and order in the country and to provide security to the people.” "When one of our policemen sacrifices his/her life, we do not lose a single person. We lost one of our colleagues, comrades and friends,” the IGP said. At the same time, the family loses their loved ones. He added. Referring to the construction of the Police Memorial, the IGP said Police Memorial Day is being celebrated since 2017. “We have been trying to establish such a memorial since 2010.” Also read: Bangladesh police will be made worth of a developed country by 2041: IGP “Today, after 12 years, this initiative has been successful.” Additional IGs, heads of various units of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, senior police officers, engineers and architects concerned of the Public Works and Architecture Department and officials of contractors were present at the event.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Thursday said the capacity of Bangladesh Police has increased in tackling any challenge to keep law and order. The IGP came up with the comment while speaking as the chief guest after inspecting the anti-terrorism and hostage rescue exercise of police commando course at APBN and specialized training centre in Khagrachari. He said police are playing a professional role in ensuring the safety of the people, providing security to their lives and property, maintaining law and order in the country, reducing crime and arresting criminals. Also read: Bangladesh police will be made worth of a developed country by 2041: IGP Mentioning the need for training to enhance the skills of the police personnel, the IGP said that such training is very helpful in enhancing the skills of the police personnel. He said the exercise conducted by the police members today was undoubtedly of international standard. The police chief also mentioned that the skills of the trainers of this course are of international standard.